In the Indian state of Rajasthan, water is precious. Panihari is a Rajasthani term that refers to women who fetch water. The Panihari plays a crucial role in desert communities, but is often abused and downtrodden. As a part of the lower caste, they are seen as untouchable. In addition to maintaining family life, women account for the majority of productive labor in the desert household; however, the community places them in a subordinate social group to men. As a result, women—overworked, infirm, and often pregnant—have been deprived of the most basic of human amenities.
This documentary film follows the story of Paru—a shoemaker's wife from the village of Diyatra—as she finds herself faced with these stark realities. At home her husband beats her, and fulfilling the duties of a Panihari, she is unable to take even a moment's rest. Drought kills the family's cattle and Paru is forced to fetch water from a far away well. She sees an opportunity to help her family but her husband forbids her. This film documents Paru's search for self-reliance and security for her family in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Paru's story conveys the richness and complexity of desert life as well as the problems facing women of desert communities. Vibrant imagery, music, and folklore combine to paint a vivid picture of life as a Panihari—The Water Woman.
To learn more about this film, please contact The Five Families Productions.
Featured Websites:
Millennium Campaign
InterAction - American Council for Voluntary International Action
The ONE Campaign
Read Water and Women - The Flow, an article about the National Women's Water Conference in Rajasthan, India.
Farmers and community leaders from the Marwar region of the Rajasthan desert came together to form Jal Bhagirathi Foundation in order to prevent droughts and develop their communities. Read more about the region and the work that must be done.
Water Partners International is an organization dedication to bringing clean drinking water to developing countries. They have several global projects and intitiatives underway that incorporate health education, construction and protection of water sources, financial management and community participation.
Cancel Response
Post Response